1
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the similar-sounding words "censure" and "censor" often confuse people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to complicate
to make (something) unclear to the understanding
stop confusing the issue with irrelevant facts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to mistake
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related
a lot of people confuse popular fame with enduring achievement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
she was confused by the shocking bluntness of his marriage proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
vandals had hopelessly confused the papers in the office files
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of confuse
Wedgewood will never be confused with Manning.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
That’s not all that’s confusing across the first season.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026
Promoted on Panera's social media, the Salad Stuffers have received mixed feedback, with some looking forward to trying the new bread-salad combo, while others are confused by it.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
Such an outcome likely would leave fans confused and upset.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confuse
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
That’s not all that’s confusing across the first season.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2026
Promoted on Panera's social media, the Salad Stuffers have received mixed feedback, with some looking forward to trying the new bread-salad combo, while others are confused by it.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026
Such an outcome likely would leave fans confused and upset.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confuse
Verb
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But even more than engaging the big ideas that Emma’s revelation triggers — pun somewhat intended — Lee and Borli wanted to craft an experience that would mimic its main characters’ bewildering interiority.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2026
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There aren’t many ways to earn a club’s first win better than bewildering the league’s defending champions at their place.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Middle East conflict has complicated the Fed's rate-setting approach, as the central bank weighs the lasting price impact of the energy shock.—
Sarah Min,Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The science fiction New Wave of the 60s and 70s complicated Gernsback’s notion about the proper relationship between science and literature and in the process produced something new and valuable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Not trusting adults can be mistaken as a disrespect for authority and can cause problems at home and school.—
Dr. Andrew Garner,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Sabrina Carpenter on Saturday issued an apology on X after mistaking a fan’s Zaghrouta, an Arabic celebration call, with yodeling during her headlining Coachella set on Friday night.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
And, as if embarrassed by the whole business, the show will do something crazy to blast the tear from your eye.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russia’s bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Florida didn't want to pay any homage to Quick during the game, so as not to disrupt the goalie's typical routines.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Baer appeared perplexed by this coy pretense of innocence.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Stocks’ march higher in the face of deepening geopolitical uncertainty is leaving some on Wall Street increasingly perplexed.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Its Silk Serum Tinted Moisturizer Foundation is weightless and blurring, according to an editor.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
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In addition to breaking news reports, these channels often broadcast shows devoted to commentary, especially regarding politics, as well as longer specials or documentaries, some of which blur the lines between entertainment or advocacy and journalism.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Mexican club put LAFC under pressure from the opening whistle, as the hosts appeared a step slow and a tad flustered during the first 20 minutes.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
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But Seymour threw on a press, flustering the Patriots, who began to turn the ball over.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Confuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confuse. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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